Reed retained their top of the table spot in the Herts League 2 with a convincing win over Watford Town on Saturday. Skipper James Heslam won the toss and elected to bowl, and this decision looked the right one within minutes of the start. Reed’s openers Lee Johnson and Jack Tidey had Watford 5-3 within the third over, leaving Watford in a very precarious position.
Watford failed to rebuild in light of some excellent pace bowling by Johnson (4-39) and Tidey (5-42), which saw wickets continuously fall at regular intervals. At 87-8, Watford were in desperate need for some rearguard action and this came through Felton and Latif who looked to bat time whilst picking up much needed runs. The pair put on 52 for the 8th wicket, before Reed picked up the last two wickets with Watford setting Reed a respectable target of 151 to win the game.
In reply Reed didn’t start well losing the inform Will Heslam in the third over. This brought Chris Jackson to the crease, who along with James Heslam weathered the early storm before the pair put the game beyond Watford by putting on 104 for the 2nd wicket. James was out for a very impressive 78, holing out to long on.
This brought in the versatile Jack Tidey, who on instruction from the skipper to finish the game quickly in light of the oncoming rain put the game beyond Watford with some lusty blows. The pick of which being a huge six to win the game finishing with a quick fire 30. Jackson at the other end batted through to finish with a comfortable 40 not out and Reed took all 30 points in the process.
